+++ U.S.C.M. Database Entry: BG-386 +++
A humid, temperate planet, located in system WY-BG-3 at a 1.229 parsec, 0.3g deflection from the Kalahari Freight Corridor.

Designation BG-3 (star), 8 (8th planet), 6 (terra index) has now become synonymous with the ‘Freya’s Prospect’ colony, owned and run by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation.

Four months ago Karl Bishop Weyland closed Freya’s Prospect to pan-corporate
enterprise, reneging on several co-development agreements. Filed flight plans show increased Weyland-Yutani traffic over the past 3 months.
Manifests have not been made available to U.S.C.M. Traffic Control.
+++ End File BG-386 +++

Rounding out our blogs on the three species within Aliens vs Predator is the Colonial Marines. At first glance, the Marines might look to be underpowered or at a severe disadvantage when facing the likes of Aliens and Predators. Any experienced Marine will tell you otherwise, as they have the gear, tech, and range to best any opponent on the battlefield.

Stick Together Team

Outside of Deathmatch, a lone Marine is a dead Marine. Stick to groups or pairs and always stay in constant communication about your whereabouts and the location of your enemies. If you need to reload or heal, be sure to alert your teammate to give you some covering fire. When fighting in close quarters or in hairy situations, hug a wall or play back to back to prevent Stealth Kills from Aliens or Predators.

Marine Weapons

A well equipped Marine is a formidable foe; learn and memorize the location of key weapons in every multiplayer map to guarantee success. From the Pulse Rifle to the Smartgun, the Marine’s primary advantage in AvP is in the use of ranged weapons to attack oncoming foes. In close range, you can opt to use the Shotgun or Flamethrower.

VP78 Pistol
Your standard issue pistol is your last resort in any firefight. You have unlimited ammo with the pistol, but you’ll want to use your shots carefully to get kills in tight situations. The pistol can be fired in single round shots or in burst fire modes. Burst fire is especially useful in close quarters and single is best used at longer range.

ZX-76 Shotgun
An excellent close range weapon, the Shotgun is even more devastating when using the double barrel secondary fire mode. The shotgun is excellently paired with the Pulse Rifle to finish off any enemy that’s made his way to melee range. Pick your shots carefully, the reload times are long and the clip size is small.

M41A/2 Pulse Rifle
The M41A/2 Pulse Rifle is the standard issue, multi-purpose firearm for all United States Colonial Marines. With a hundred round clip and a secondary fire grenade launcher, the Pulse Rifle is one of your best weapons against all enemies in AvP. Luckily, Marines

M59/B Smartgun
The Smartgun is a massive heavy-fire support weapon carried using a gyroscopic harness. The weapon has a special fire mode that tracks targets, making it the perfect weapon against a fast moving alien, or a cloaked predator. The Smartgun uses two equipment slots, so be wary once ammo is running low – you’ll need to find a replacement to continue the fight.

M260b Flamethrower
A replacement for the aging M240 flame thrower, the M260b utilizes several improvements. Standard fire remains perfect for neutralizing massed or fast-moving targets. Secondary fire allows you to spray fuel for subsequent ignition, allowing the user to create a temporary wall of flame.

M42C Scoped Rifle
The M42C Rifle is a powerful scoped rifle and can down any enemy with a few well placed shots. Ammo is fairly light for the M42C, so line up your shots carefully and be prepared to switch to a shorter ranged weapon should the target get close for the kill.

Marine Equipment

A Marine is more than his arsenal, to stay alive you’ll need to use all your abilities. Heals, blocks, and the Motion Tracker will keep you alive to kill again, and again, and again. Use these tools well…

If it Moves, Shoot it
In navigating the environment of AvP, in Singleplayer or Multiplayer, you’ll have to master the Motion Tracker if you want to survive. The Tracker is the Marine’s best friend and worst enemy. Both hostiles and friendlies can be spotted on the motion tracker or heard as an audible when in proximity. A fellow Marines will show up as an X on your Motion Tracker, and hostiles as larger circles. The challenge in using the Motion Tracker effectively is keeping your eyes on the environment and the Tracker to line up shots, spot hidden or stealthy enemies, and strike back.

Melee Combat
While your weapons will serve you well for ranged combat, they can also prove to be effective melee combat weapons during close encounters. Use them to shield against incoming attacks to open up melee attack counters that stun your foes. Both Aliens and Predators are melee focused, so be quick to disrupt their heavy attacks with a light melee attack and be prepared to block when they get too close.

Stimpacks
A Marine’s health bar consists of thee bars that can recharge over time. Once a bar is lost due to damage, it will not return unless you heal. Depending on the battle, Marines may walk away with battle injuries and need a quick heal to continue the fight. A Stimpack will heal the Marine to full, but will also leave you defenseless for a short period of time. Before using a Stimpack, examine your surroundings and alert your teammates.